SOCIETY

WildCRU director holds several meetings in Azerbaijan

Professor David Macdonald, founding Director of Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), a world-renowned expert on the protection of biodiversity has held a number of meetings in Azerbaijan as he visited the country at the invitation of founder and head of International Dialogue for Environmental Action (IDEA) Leyla Aliyeva.

As part of his visit, Professor Macdonald held meetings at IDEA Public Association and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) office in Azerbaijan, discussing the activities of the both organizations.

Mr. Macdonald also met with Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Huseyngulu Bagirov and familiarized himself with the state policy carried out in the field of environmental protection in the country.

On October 19, David Macdonald delivered a lecture at ADA University on the protection of biodiversity. He touched upon the issues related to biodiversity and its protection, works done in this area, problems of biodiversity protection, briefed the participants on the activities of WildCRU, particularly the projects the organization implemented in various countries.

Following the presentation, interactive discussions were held with participants.

Founded by Professor David Macdonald in 1986 the WildCru is considered the world's largest institution specialized in nature conservation. WildCru aims to undertake original research on aspects of fundamental biology relevant to solving practical problems of wildlife conservation and environmental management, and thus to underpin policy formation and public debate of the many issues that surround the conservation of wildlife and its habitats. Currently the WildCRU includes over 50 researchers working on projects that range from the impact of trophy hunting on lions to that of rabies of Ethiopian wolves.